When to arrive
Arriving in Leeds in good time is important to help you have a good welcome experience and make a successful start at the University of Leeds.
Arriving in the Autumn?
If you’re a new student or postgraduate researcher joining us in Leeds in the Autumn, plan to get your visa in time to arrive between Wednesday 13 September and Tuesday 19 September.
Arriving in the recommended arrival dates will ensure you’re in Leeds in time to attend International Orientation. This week-long programme of information sessions, online webinars and exciting social activities will help you get all the necessary information for a successful start in Leeds and start making connections with other University of Leeds students.
It’ll also ensure you’re in Leeds in time to attend your School induction, which you must attend. If your School induction starts before Wednesday 13 September, plan to arrive in time to attend the first day of your School induction programme.
Important advice before you book your flight to Leeds
Your visa
Don’t book your flight until you’ve received your visa. You can only travel to the UK after the date shown on your visa vignette. If the ‘valid to’ date has expired because you have delayed travel to the UK, you’ll need to request a new vignette.
EU students with digital status
UK Visas and Immigration will start the validity of your entry vignette or E-Visa either 1 month before your course start date, or 1 week before the 'date of intended travel' on your visa application form, whichever falls later. The earliest you can arrive on a Student visa is 1 month before the course start date on your CAS.
Your accommodation start date
Check the start date of your accommodation contract and plan to arrive on or after this date, unless your contract start date is later than International Orientation week or your School induction.
If you need to arrive early to attend International Orientation or your School induction activity, read our information about what to do if you need to arrive before the start of your contract.
School/Research induction sessions
In addition to attending International Orientation, you must arrive in Leeds in time to attend the induction sessions planned by your School. Your School will contact you directly with more information on this, so don’t forget to check your email regularly.
If you want to find out more about your School induction, please contact your School directly.
If your arrival is delayed
If your journey is delayed, find out who to contact to get help and make sure you know who to notify about your delayed arrival so you can be supported.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attend International Orientation?
Attending International Orientation is not compulsory, however, there are many reasons why you should take part!
Our International Orientation programme has been designed to help you have a smooth transition to Leeds and includes a mixture of informative sessions, support with start-up tasks, tours and fun social events, that will give you the opportunity settle in quickly and meet new and current students.
Do I need to attend my School induction?
Yes. You must arrive in Leeds in time to attend any induction sessions planned by your School. Your School will contact you directly with more information on this, so don’t forget to check your email regularly.
If you think you might have problems attending these sessions, contact your School to find out when you can arrive and any other steps you need to complete before you start your programme.